Lucie Loves… Travel // Holiday cancelled due to Coronavirus? Dreaming of adventure in lockdown? Here’s why you should add the Caribbean island of Nevis to your wanderlust list.
Not long before lockdown, I had been invited to a travel blogger press event by Nevis Tourism Authority - a stunning Caribbean Island that, I must admit, never knew existed!
Hangs head in shame
When the email came through saying Nevis… I’d automatically (read as: incorrectly) assumed that they meant Ben Nevis… a mountain in Scotland. But I couldn’t have been more wrong!
From what I learnt at the event, held at the very lovely Hospital Club, Nevis Island (pronounced Knee-Vis) is truly a paradise waiting to be explored. I just hope that this Coronavirus lockdown lifts soon enough to give people (and me) the chance to explore it in person! Unlike many larger Caribbean islands, there are no fast food chains or nightclubs (music to my ears!). Nevis a place to relax and unwind. Perfect for those who enjoy rest and relaxation, with a side of solitude and stunning scenery.
With a trip to Nevis unfortunately feeling very far away right now, I decided to do a little photoshoot on my balcony (to keep myself entertained whilst Rob is at work.) I put on a bikini and decided to wear my sun hat, both from And Other Stories, bought last summer. I love the dapple effect the sunlight through the rattan material has on skin. It’s been 24 degrees today in Surrey, perfect Easter bank holiday weekend weather… for staying at home… so I shall close my eyes and just pretend I’m basking in the Caribbean sunshine instead…
Things to know before you go to the Caribbean Island of Nevis…
If you’re looking for a Spring-Break-esq party destination… then Nevis is not for you. Nope! There are no all inclusive resorts. But what Nevis does have is an abundance of character, which makes the island very unique and offers a chance for you to take many memories and experiences back home with you. This means that you must really explore the whole of the island with your eyes and your bellies.
What should I eat & drink for the full Nevis experience?
Nevis has tons of restaurants to choose from, but here are some of the dishes to tick off!
On a Thursday evening in Nevis, the Nisbet Plantation do a fantastic Thursday night beachfront BBQ, they are also said to do yummy Surf & Turf buffets and offer live entertainment.
Another must try on the island is the highly recommended Sunshine’s Bar & Grill Killer Bee cocktail. Note: they are strong! So you can only have one…
Don’t forget the Lobster Sandwich at The Golden Rock Inn, owned by artist Helen Marden & husband Brice Marden (and listed on Mr & Mrs Smith - so it must be good!)
Keep your eyes peeled for the island restaurants serving Goat Water Stew & Johnny Cakes (bakes).
Rice & peas.
Plantain.
How can I learn more about Nevis’ rich heritage?
The island is steeped in history and offers lots of local heritage and Nevis landmarks to explore such as, Bath Hotel & Spring House, Charlestown, Cottle Church, Eden Brown Estate, Horatio Nelson Museum, Jewish Cemetery and Jew’s Walk, History Museum, and Nevisian Heritage Village and so much more. The story that the plantations have to tell, is one that Nevis is able to share sensitively, and invites the diaspora to come back and connect with.
What is the accommodation like on Nevis?
Nevis Island has around 500 rooms across the whole island, made up of hotels, condos, villas and airbnbs.
What cultural events happen in Nevis?
They are a year round tourist destination, with a whole heap of sports, cultural and culinary events taking place throughout the year. There’s even a mango festival, where locals compete for the best mango prize. Be sure to check out local Nevis photographer Kacey Jeffers who did a documentary portraiture project called Uniform, capturing portraits of local children, in a bid to show them “anything is possible”. The Nevis Tourism Authority website has a wealth of information about the island, and some fab suggested itineraries for enjoying Nevis. Take a peek at the list of Nevis annual events.
Picture perfect postcards from Nevis
What is the weather like on Nevis?
Temperatures on Nevis island are warm and comfortable - even in Winter, which makes it a very attractive location for production teams wishing to use it for filming and photoshoot locations. Take a peek at the weather on Nevis and when to go.
Weather on Nevis is usually around 23- 28 degrees celsius (but a little hotter in summer) - they also don’t have too many mosquitos either! But always be sure to pack an incense coil or repellent.
If you’re looking for barefoot luxury, then you can travel to Nevis and find this. However, it isn’t a cheap place to fly to or stay, with prices around $150-300 per night. It attracts the more discerning traveller, looking for adventure, think: hikes to waterfalls by day, and 5-star comfort by night. If you’re fairly active, up for trying something new, or have teenager, you can also do lots of watersports, horseback riding, trekking (or via a Funky Monkey ATV aka quad bike) sea fishing, off-roading and cycling. However, if rest & relaxation is more up your street, check out Nevis’ selection of spas - I would recommend mixing it up and trying a bit of everything, for a well-rounded holiday.
The island draws tourists from the Caribbean, Canada, US and the UK have visited Nevis so far, with an increase from Switzerland and across Europe now too. As it’s still a hidden gem, you’re best to book up sooner rather than later, before the world and his wife go to holiday there. It’s also big with athletes looking to do marathons, triathlons and other extreme competitive sports.
Why would someone choose to visit Nevis over St Kitts?
When you exit the water taxi at Nevis (cost approx. $20pp), people say that you have a real sense of arriving. If you wanted to split your holiday between St Kitts and Nevis, it’s only a 6-10 minute water taxi ride (with beers!) between the two. There are also ferries between both islands (cost approx. $10pp).
If you’re a fan of island hopping you could stay 3-days in St Kitts and relax for 4-days in Nevis, or do a day trip whilst staying on one Island or the other.
How safe is Nevis?
Walking around the island of Nevis is very popular with holidaymakers, and is the best way to travel between the different hotel restaurants each evening. People can expect to explore the island and try varied cuisine. It is said to be very safe for people to walk from place to place, unhindered. There is a great local bus and taxi service on the island too, which will allow you to explore the island safely and meet many of the warm and friendly locals.
Where can I fly to Nevis from?
You can fly to Nevis by searching for flights to St Kitts and then travel over to Nevis Island by Water Taxi - it’s about an 8-9 hour trip to/from London, or you can take an internal flight to Nevis (which has a small airport, but only accept smaller planes or private aircraft) via Antigua. British Airways fly to St Kitts and Nevis twice a week from London Gatwick on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Have you ever visited Nevis or another island in the Caribbean? How was your experience and what tips do you have for others wishing to book a trip?